Naveen calls upon civil society to restore peace in Kandhmal

Bhubaneswar, Oct 15 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today appealed to the civil society to restore peace in Kandhmal.

With rich culture and tradition, the stata has given the message of peace to the entire world, Mr Patnaik said and called upon all to restore peace in strife-torn Kandhmal district.

His appeal came while addressing a concluding function of the Peace padayatra, oraganised by the ruling BJD across the state that began on Gandhi Jayanti day.

Stating that peace was essential for development, Mr Patnaik said his government had taken all initiatives during the last eight years to focus on development in every spheres, right from agriculture to industry. He also thanked the people for extending support to the party during the 13-day padayatra.

State Finance Minister P C Ghadei alleged that some vested group and people were trying to create disturbances in the state to mar the development process.

BJD Parliamentary member Pyarimohan Mohapatra out of 30 districts in the state only one district has been witnessing some violence which has a long history of ethnic conflict between the tribals and the Harijan over land disputes. But some conspirators have made it a communal violence, he said adding that BJD being a secular would no more tolerate any violence in the state.

Among others Agriculture Minister S N Nayak, Works Minister A U Singdeo and party's general secretary D Rout also spoke on the occasion. Leaders of all religions also attended the function.

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